Radio receiving system



May 21, 1935. B. J. CHROMY RADIO RECEIVING SYSTEM\ Filed April 11, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 10, azzlezma s; 5, (IQ-4 14212611215:

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IIIIIIIIIII J H W H H A AA AA AA AA Antenna May 21, 1935.

B. J. CHROMY RADIO RECEIVING SYSTEM Filed April 11, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A AA AA A A IIIIIIIIII II;

n" vvvvvvvv INVENTOR.

" .Thei potential of the -sourcje of current supply for;

Patented May 21, 1935 if Application April- 11,

. H 7 8Clainis.

j f This' invention relates to radio receiving systemsi'n general More specifically this invention relates to"direct1onal radioreceiving systems employed for guiding moving vessels:

An object of: this invention is to provide are 1 ceiving system for successively cont-rolling the energization of alarmspr visual indicators in accordance antennae having maximum fieldstrengths in dif- 'ferent directionsi'j I v Anotherobjectof this invention is to provide receiving systemior successively controlling the energization 'of windingsofa relay in accordance with signaling energy intercepted by directional v antennaf'liaving-ip aximun field strengths indifferen't directions. 1 Still another provide a systemjor guiding moving vessels, such as aeroplanes, consistingoi a pluralityof direc-' tional' antenna arranged to be successively gcoupled 'in predetermined order toanam-pli-iying system with which is associated a relayproyms-a with a plurality of windings, selected ones or these windingsgbeing arranged to be energized by selected. ones ofthe directional antennaai Other-and further features of this -mvention will be apparent to those skilled in'the art to which it pertains from the following specification.

I This invention is; an improvement over that disclosed in my-ifcopending app'lication:Serial receiving systems. In accordance with this invention, a plurality of directional antennae are arranged to be successively fcoupled to'the input circuit of an amplifier system. These directional antennae-orantenna arrays are adjusted to receive sig 'alingenergy of the proper-phaserelation from directions slightly displacedfroin one {40 another. "The angle of. di splaceinlet-1t may-be somewhat in excess of 90? or -even less than ;90 in cases where two directional; antenna arrays are employed, butin cases where three antennae. arrays areusedthe anglepf displacement shouldq 'fl between adjacentantennze. [The output stage of, the amplifier syste1n-is arranged to energize a pluralityypf windings of -a relay 1 arrangement. 3 Each of the effective windings offjthe r'elay arrangement is connected into the anode" circuit of anelectron discharge-device.

these .anode H simultaneously the.

circuits j i S periodically "varied and circuit of the amplifier system "and: successive with signaling energy intercepted by object of this invention is to.

f in accordance with. signaling energy intercepted 1 coupling j between -=the input ones of ;.the antenna "arrays [increased and, de:

930, s riarna'nase i (.01; 250- 11), a

creased. 'Ihe result thus obtained is that a certain onejof the relay windings is energized in accordance with signaling energy intercepted (by a cert'ain'oneof the antenna arrays. The relay 'vviiiding *eorresponding to the antenna array innitude is energized through the operation of =the amplifier. system and functions .to control the tercept'ing signalingenergy of the greatestinagcircuit of a selected indicator. By observing the indicators, which are preferably incandescent lamps, the operator is constantly informed which of the antenna arrays intercept signaling energy tennae with r vessel, "and fl jig. 4 illustrates still another modification of this invention.

.Refefing to 'Fig. '1 of the drawings in greater detaily reference numeral l designates a'loop antenna'connected in -series with a. winding of" the transformer; {and thevariable condenser 9 ite the wiiiding -|"i., The antenna *2 is coupled "ansforme r- 5. The degree: resuming between the windings .o'f-'the transformer is adjusted until the desired cardioidal fieldstreng th charof the greatest magnitude in the proper-phase odified fo'rm of this in- "toth ei c ircuit r the loop antenna 1 through the A acteris tic is obtained for the antenna array in- "eluding the antennas l and-"2." Anotherloop antenna 3 is coupled to the; non-directional antenna '4 through-the transformer 6. -'-I he;degree loifcoupling of the windings offthe transformer tie adjust d untilthe cardioidal field strength characteristic is obtained for the composite antennaarrayincluding.antennae 3 andl. Variable condensers cuits of antennae '2 and-'4, respectively, 'to provide means for adjusting the natural period -oi these fjantennee. The "inductance 2 and the variable condenser 1'0 'areconnected into the circuit of are positioned Another inductance 13 is arranged l and 8 are connected into the POI-1". 12

the loop antenna 3. Theinductances H and I2 and F6 are; cc mneeted to the inductance sl 3.

Connections are provided between brushes engaging the slip rings I5 and I6 and the input circuit of the electron discharge device H. A variable condenser 2! is connected across the inductance I3 for tuning the circuit thereof to the frequency of the desired signals. A transformer I8 isconnected to the output circuit of the electron discharge device A high frequency amplifier, detector and low frequency amplifier I9 is coupled to the electron discharge device I'I' through the transformer I8 and to the electron discharge devices 22 and 23 through the transformer 20. A source of low frequency alternating current 24"is provided for the anodes of the electron. discharge devices 22 and 23. The resistance 25 is connected across the source 24. The cathodes of the electron discharge devices 22 and 23 are connected to the center of the resistance 25. The windings 27 and 28 are connected to the terminals of the resistance 25. The anodes of the electrondischarge devices 22 and 23 are connected to the windings 2'! and 28 of the relay 26. The windings 21 and 28 are connected to be energized in opposition so that the magnetic field set up by the current flowing through one of them attracts the armature 29 and closes the circuit of the lamp 3!, while the current flowing through the other winding sets up a magnetic fiux which repels the armature 29 and causes the circuit of the lamp 303 to be closed. The sourceof current supply 32 is provided for energizing the lamps 3B and 3|.

' In operation the antennae I, 2, 3, and 4 are mounted upon the aircraft or other vessel employing this invention in such a manner that the loop antennae I and 3 are disposed at an angle with respect to each other. I The magnitude of this angle is to a large extent determined by the effect of the structure adjacent to the antennae and the field strength characteristics of the individual array. 'Where the characteristic of each of the arrays I, 2 and 3, 4 is of a greatly elongated cardioidal shape the angle between the loop antennae I and 3 may be as smallas 20.

The motor I l rotates the inductance I3 in such a manner that this inductance is successively coupled to the inductances II and I2. inductance I3- is coupled to the inductance I I,

that is, when the axis of its turns is parallel to the axis of the turns of the inductance II, signaling energy intercepted by the antenna array l, 2 is impresed upon the input circuit of the electron discharge device I'I. When the axes of the inductances I2and I3 are in line, then signaling energy from the antenna array 3, l is impressed upon the input circuit of the electron discharge device I1,

pletes one revolution during the time interval of two cycles of theanode current. This anode current generator 24 is also adjusted to generate a current having asubstantially fiat wave characteristic. The maximum amplitude of the cur- I rent wave should occur at the same time that the inductance I3 is most tightly coupled to one of the inductances II and I2.

'Signalingenergy intercepted by the antenna systems I, 2 and 3, 4 is successively impressedupon the input of the electron discharge device I I and the high frequency amplifier, detector and low-frequency amplifier I9. The input circuit of When the the electron discharge device 22 is energized by the signaling energy intercepted by, for example, the antenna system I, 2. intercepted by this antenna system I, 2 will, therefore, be impressed most efliciently upon the input circuit of the discharge device I! when the coupling coefficient between the coils II and I3 is maximum. It is, therefore, of course, essential that the anode circuit of the discharge device 22 is energized at the same time as the coefiicient of coupling between thecoils II and I3 is going through the maximum portion of its cycle. If the signaling energy intercepted by the antennae I, 2. is of sufficient strength the winding 21 of the relay 26 will be energized and the circuit of the lamp SI closed, whereupon the lamp 3| will flash or remain luminous during the interval of time during which the input or anode circuits of the discharge device 22 are energized. The 1am it will, of course, cease to remain incandescent upon the decrease of theenergization of either the inputor anode circuits of the discharge device 22. As the inductance I3 is rotated and passes through the portion of its cycle during whichthe coupling between it and the coil I2 is maximum any signaling energy of the proper frequency intercepted by it will be impressed upon the circuits of the amplifier arrangement and through the operation of the discharge device 23, the anode circuit of which is simultaneously energized, the winding 28 of the relay 26 is energized, and if the signal intercepted is of suflicient strength the circuit of the lamp 3!] is closed, whereupon the lamp 30 becomes temporarily incandescent. When the antennae I, 2 and 3, 4 intercept signaling energies of the same, or substantially the same, magnitude the lamps 30 and 3E will flash alternately. When the signaling energy intercepted by one of, the antenna arrays is substantially greater than that intercepted by the other, then only one of the lamps will flash. The operator of the system is informed that the aircraft is proceeding in a normal course indicated by :c (Fig. 3) to the airport when the lamps flash alternately. I

In Fig. 2 of the drawings a modified form of this invention in which three directional antenna arrays 4 I, 42 and 43, disposed at small angles with respect to each other, are employed for successively impressing signaling energy uponthe input circuit ofthe electron discharge device 44. These antennae 4|, 42 and 43 may be made up of arrays similar to those illustrated in Fig. 1.

Three electron'discharge devices 45, 46 and 41 are I coupled to the discharge device 44 through the high frequency amplifier, detector and low frequency amplifier arrangement 49 and the transformer 50. The secondary of the transformer 50 is divided into three independent windings 50a, 50b and 500 which are connected to the input circuits of theelectron discharge devices 41, 46 and. 45, respectively. f

- A polyphasegenerator 48 is provided to-energize the anode circuits of the devices 45, 46 and. 47. The phase ais connected thru the winding 45a of relay 49 to the anode of the device 45. The phase Z) is connected thru the winding 46a to the anode of device 46. The anode current of device 45 fiowsthru winding 45a in the opposite direction to that in which the anode current of device 46 flows thru the winding 46a. The relay 49 is provided with an additional winding. 50. The center of the winding 50 is connected thru the variable resistanceSI and the rectifier 52 to the neutral slip ring of the generator '48. The termi- Any signaling energy 7 nals of. the winding are connected to the phases a and 75 Till such a manner that the: magnetizing effect of the normal anode currents of the electron dischargedevices and 46 will1be neutralized by the magneticforce setup .by the two sections of the winding 50. Theeffect of the windingz55 may be, regulated by varying the currentflowing 1 therethru so that themagnetic effect ofzthe normal anode currents fiowingthru thewindings45 and 46 is not completely neutralized. Elie relay The inductances "H, 12, and 13"are connected to the antennae 4 I, 42 and 43, respectively. These inductanoesare angularly" displaced with respect to each .other. The inductance I4 is rotatably mounted. upon albear'ing l8.so that in one revolution 'itkis'jsuccessively coupled to each off-the I .inductances H, 12 and '13.. The inductance 14 is connected to the sliprings .15 and lB. Brushes associated with these slip rings are connected to the input circuit of the electron discharge device 44. V

In operation the inductance 14 is' successively coupled to inductances ll, 12 and '13 which are connected to theIantennaaAI, 42 and 43;respec- -tively; Signaling energy interceptedybythese antennae is thereby impressed upon the circuits of the amplifier The anode circuits of the electron. discharge devices 45,146 and Marc successively energized thru the operation of the polyphase generator 48.. uThe cycle of energization of.

these electron. dischargedevices is adjusted in duration so that the signaling energy intercepted by the antenna 42 is impressed upon the circuit of the amplifier through the operation of the inductances l2 and 1.4 when the anode circuit device .46 is being energized. If signaling energy of sufficient intensity is being intercepted during this interval, then the lamp 58, the circuit of which is controlled by the energization of the winding 46a of the relay, is causedto flash. When this lamp flashes periodically, then the operator is informed that the aircraft is on the normal course. Signaling, energies intercepted by the antenna 4lyand 43, are impressed upon the amplifier circuits duringthe interval of time when the anode circuits of. the electron discharge devices45 and 4 lare being energized. If the aircraft deviateseither to the left or right of its normal course, then one of these antennae will intercept signaling energy and'one of the relays 49 or 53 will operate to intermittently close the circuit ofone of thelamps 51 or 60. The armatures 56and 6| of' the relays are polarized. The armaturemay be held, in neutral position by smallsprings. ,.The source of currentsupply 62 isprovidedforthe lamps 51, 5a and 60.

In Fig. 4 a modified form of this invention is illustrated in which the motor TI] is employed to oscillate thecontacting arm]! of the resistance 12 back and forth and simultaneously rotate the I inductance l3 which-corresponds to the induc- 2. In directional radio As the arm]! is oscillated j ergi'zed. A constant sourcerof current supply 16 may.thus be employed inthe place of the alter- "nating source 24 of Fig. 1; I 1

I While I have described this invention considerable detail, it is, ,of. course, understood that various detailed modifications thereof may be made without departing fromthe scope or spirit jthereof, andthat, therefore, I do not desire to limit this invention to, the exact details asset forth except in so far as those details m y be defined by the appended claims;

What I claimand desire to. secure by Patent" of the United States is:

l..In directional radio receiving systems, the

Letters combination of a plurality of directional antennae adjusted toreceive signaling energy of maximum intensity from different directions, ,amplijying means, means'for successivelyv coupling said an ofg'diiferentiones of said electron discharge .devices, .rneans.for periodicallyvarying the ener-- gizationof said anode circuits simultaneously as different ones of said antenna are coupled toisaid amplifying means whereby selected ones of said rlelay'windings are energized in; accord ance With Slgl'l21S intercepted by different ones-J ofsaid antenna. 7 l

' receiving systems, the combination of a plurality of directional antennae adjusted to receive signals of maximumintensity from different directions, amplifying means, Iv

means for successively coupling said antennae towsaid amplifying means, a relay having a plurality of. windings, a pair of electron discharge devices connected :to said amplifying means,-connections between; one of said..,electron discharge devices and one of said windings, connections between the other of said electron: discharge devices and. another of said windings,.means"for periodically energizing said windings in accordance with signalling energy and meansffor operating said last mentioned means in step with said second mentioned means.

3. In directional radio receiving systems, the combination of a plurality of means for intercepting signaling energy from different directions, amplifying means, means for coupling said signal intercepting. means to said amplifying means, means for periodically varying said coupling means, a pair of electron discharge devices connected to said amplifying means, a relay having aplurality of windings; one of said windings I being connected to one of said electron discharge means for periodically varying said coupling .means, a pair of electron discharge devices connected to said amplifying means, indicating means, el-ectro-magnetic means having a plurality of windings for controlling said indicating means, connections between one of said windings and one of said electron discharge -devices, connections between another one-cf said windings and the other of said eleotron'discharge devices, means for periodically varying the energization of said windings in time relation with said coupling varyis energized in accordance with signaling energy intercepted from different directions periodi- I cally, ele'ctro-magnetically controlled indicating means having a plurality of windings, a pair of 'electrondischarge devices connected to said amplifying means, connections between one ofsaid electron discharge devices and one of said'wind- 'ings, connections between the other of said electron discharge'devices and another of said windj combination of amplifying means, a plurality of ings, means foralternately rendering said electron discharge devices operative whereby said windings are alternately energized .in. accordance with signaling energy and means for-operating said lastmentioned' means in definite time relation with'said coupling varying means.

' 6. In directional radio receiving systems, the combination of amplifying means, means for successively impressing signaling energy intercepted from one of several difierent directions upon the input circuit of said amplifying means, electron discharge device means having a pair of anode circuits connected to saidamplifying means, indicating means, electro-magnetic means for controlling "the operation of said indicating means, 'said electro-magnetic-means having a plurality of windings, connections between one of said windings and one of said anode circuits, connections between another one of said windings and. the other of said anode circuits, means for alternately cepting means; energizing 'said anode circuits and means for I c operating said last mentioned means "and said 1 second mentioned means in timerelation whereby different ones of said windings of said electromagnetic meansare energized in accordance with signaling energy intercepted from different direc tions. c

7. In directional radio receiving systems, the

combination of amplifying means, rotatable means for successively energy intercepted'from different directions upon the input circuit of said amplifying means, elec- .tron' discharge device means having a pair of nections between the other of said anode circuits and another of said windings, means for periodi- "cally energizing said anodecircuits and means for operating said last mentioned meansv'in time relation. with said rotatable means. Y

8.'In directional radio receiving systems, the

means for intercepting signaling energy from different. directions, means for coupling said signal intercepting means to said amplifying means,

.meansfor, periodically varying the effect of said coupling means upon said amplifying" means, electron discharge device vmeansconnected to said amplifying meansysaid electron discharge device means having a pair of anode circuits, indicating means having a plurality of windings, connections between selected ones of said windings and said anode circuits, means for periodically varying the energization of said anode circuits and said windings, means for operating said last mentioned means in definite timerelation with said means forcperiodically varying the eifect'of coupling whereby diiferent ones ofsaid windings are enerlgized in acordance with signaling energy intercepted by different ones of said signal inter- BEN CHROMYl impressing signaling 

